Environmental Risks of Agricultural Pesticides Underestimated, New Study Finds

A recent study presented at the Goldschmidt Conference in Prague has revealed that the environmental impact of commonly used pesticides, particularly in viticulture, has been significantly understated. Scientists from Aix-Marseille University and CNRS in France conducted an investigation on nine pesticides that are commonly used and determined that all of them exceeded the Stockholm Convention'S atmospheric half life limit, which is two days. The pesticides remained in the air for extended periods in some cases. 

The persistence of this situation raises significant questions about the suitability of present regulatory frameworks that regulate pesticide use, particularly within the European Union. EU regulations currently focus on assessing pesticide degradation in the gas phase. Why is this? However, the study showed that these chemicals are much less reactive in their particulate phase, meaning they remain in the atmosphere for longer than expected. This conduct has the potential to cause more significant changes in environmental exposure and longer-lasting transportation of these materials than previously thought. 

Pesticide usage has doubled globally since 1990, according to the FAO. Evidence of prolonged atmospheric presence, along with the increase in usage -- underscores need for stricter policy updates and environmental safety assessments. These chemicals are being reclassified as persistent organic pollutants, leading to the implementation of more stringent international regulations. 

In addition to measuring atmospheric lifetime, the team also examined the degradation mechanisms of pesticides in both gas and particle phases. A number of toxic breakdown products were identified, some of which are not available in the market and may not be included in current safety evaluations. The study also examined the impact of temperature and humidity on the behavior of pesticide molecules in the air. Additionally, The research found that environmental factors have a significant impact on the way substances divide into gas and particulate phases, which is not accurately predicted by existing models. 

According to the study, regulatory assessments must be updated to reflect practical situations. Agencies may use particulate phase behaviour in official evaluations to better estimate environmental and health risks. Inadequate models may result from ignoring these factors, which could lead to underestimates of pesticide residue persistence and transport in the environment. 

This study highlights the importance of conducting thorough atmospheric testing of agricultural pesticides, given their continued widespread use in Europe and other areas. Without updated frameworks, there's a possibility of long-term environmental harm and potential health effects from prolonged exposure to airborne pesticide particles. 

The outcomes of this investigation have led experts to demand that policymakers and regulatory bodies reconsider the current pesticide evaluation criteria. A more rigorous control and detailed atmospheric modelling would be necessary to classify these chemicals as persistent organic pollutants.. 

This study is a further contribution to growing concerns around the environmental impact and public health effects of pesticide use worldwide. ". As scientific understanding develops, there is an urgent requirement for environmental regulations to reflect new data and more rigorous safety standards. Identifying this disparity will be crucial to decrease the ecological footprint of agriculture and maintain healthy air quality in agricultural settings. 

The Goldschmidt Conference of July 2025 featured research presented.

Source: Lead institution: Aix-Marseille University.